Chapter 259: Chapter 171: Did the Studio Go Out of Business? (Part 2)
Qiu Yu felt a violent throbbing in his temples, always feeling a bit uneasy.
And this premonition turned into reality three days later.
Competition results were released that day, but Tianyi would communicate with individuals ahead of time to see the situation before making a final decision.
Qiu Yu’s “Flying Sword Questions” won first place by a narrow margin, and “Letter” secured second place.
The third place went to an unknown company’s internal planner, whose work was standard but showed insight in terms of numbers.
The preliminary selection of the competition was made by various producers, while the final was decided by both players and judges, ensuring the game’s authority.
However, the day before the award ceremony, a real problem emerged.
That afternoon, Zhang Ping specifically called Qiu Yu into his office and said, “I’m going to headquarters.”
Qiu Yu looked at Zhang Ping puzzled, not knowing why the other party would make a point of telling him this.
“You previously cooperated on the localization of ‘Magic Dynasty,’ and then won an award in the competition. Logically, you should be assigned to a production team. However, the head company has suddenly called me back, those promises are likely not to be honored by the new branch president. I can only inform you in advance.”
Once he understood, Qiu Yu felt a tremendous sense of loss wash over him.
It was like being one step away from scoring, ready to cheer, only to have the referee suddenly call offsides; you can imagine how deflating that felt.
Though filled with regret, Qiu Yu quickly recovered and said with a smile, “No problem, is there anything else?”
“I’m preparing to fire you.”
“What?”
“Before firing you, I’ll raise your salary so that you can get a severance pay for half a year, which should be around one hundred and eighty thousand. I’m personally prepared to provide you with some start-up capital, and KongKong has also contacted me, expressing his willingness to invest in you. Plus the competition prize money, project completion bonus and such, you should have enough to open your own studio.”
Seeing Qiu Yu about to speak, Zhang Ping gestured for him to wait, then said, “A couple of days ago, I spoke with Huang Ping. His recent predicament struck a chord with me. Big companies offer a sense of security, but now, in these tumultuous times in the gaming industry, small studios are actually better at pivoting. You have learned enough at Tianyi these days; it’s time for you to go out there and make a splash. Also, I’ve long noticed that you, young man, are full of defiance and definitely have your own ideas, am I right?”
Thinking about his actual purpose, Qiu Yu smiled.
Zhang Ping also read Qiu Yu’s thoughts and waved his hand, “Alright, I knew you had your own ideas. I just want to know, are you willing? If you’re not, then let’s forget what was said here today. If you are, I’m going to give you that raise.”
“Can I go back and think about it?”
Zhang Ping looked at Qiu Yu and said helplessly, “You’ve already made up your mind; what’s with the suspense? Just tell me!”
“Well... Thank you, Director Zhang, for your care during this time.”
“Don’t thank me, thank KongKong. I haven’t really taken much care of you. Now, go and get ready for the handover.”
Just as Qiu Yu was about to leave, something suddenly occurred to him. He looked at Zhang Ping and asked, “Director Zhang, will the runner-up go to accept the award?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I just have a feeling he won’t show up.”
Upon seeing the man, Alan exclaimed in surprise and then asked, “That person... must be Fang Cheng, right?”
“Yes.”
“Should we go say hello?”
“No need. We’re strangers.”
Qiu Yu turned to leave, but as she brushed past Fang Cheng, he suddenly stopped, looked at her, and asked, “Are you Qiu Yu, the author of ‘Flying Sword Questions’?”
Qiu Yu’s steps came to an abrupt halt.
Her heart raced, but she feigned composure and replied, “Yes, it’s me.”
“I’m Fang Cheng from Fang Cheng Studio. I really like your game; it has great gameplay.”
“...Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, goodbye.”
After saying this, Fang Cheng left without lingering.
He wasn’t harboring any significant thoughts; he had just happened to see Qiu Yu and wanted to share his impressions.
Meanwhile, Qiu Yu also turned and continued on her way. She then heard Alan beside her say, “I thought you would take the initiative to recommend yourself and try to join Fang Cheng Studio.”
“I won’t. I don’t have that in mind.”
“Hey, but I thought you really liked their games?”
Qiu Yu smiled relaxedly, “Yes, which is why I’d rather be a good competitor.”
Looking at Qiu Yu, Alan didn’t quite understand her mindset but decided to respect her decision anyway.
Raising the alcohol and ingredients in his hands, he said excitedly, “Forget about everything else; let’s enjoy a good meal together. Tonight, I’ll show you what authentic Gaul cuisine is all about.”
Before eating, Qiu Yu mentioned that she was looking forward to it.
However, after eating, Qiu Yu suggested, “Next time, just make me some inauthentic dishes.”
Who said Gaulish cuisine was tasty!
As Qiu Yu strode ambitiously toward her dream, there were others who mustered courage for their dreams and survival, bringing their resumes and works to the entrance of Fang Cheng Studio.
After taking several deep breaths standing at the foot of Fang Cheng Studio’s building, and another deep one, she then slowly made her way into the building to head up to the third floor.
Muttering to herself as she walked, “Lin Nan, it’s okay, you can do this. Your work has already proved to be second best, you can get this job.”
Continuously boosting her own morale, she eventually overcame the urge to run away and stepped onto the final staircase.
Then she saw that the company’s door was firmly closed, no one was inside, and a tricolor cat lifted its head, watching vigilantly.
After staring at the tricolor cat for a while, Lin Nan lowered her head and typed into her phone’s search bar, “Has Fang Cheng Studio gone out of business?”
After all, how could a game company possibly finish work before nine o’clock?